Campaign for better buses

Liberal Democrats in Lobley Hill, Gateshead, have launched a petition calling on bus companies to improve the service to the area.

Residents of Lobley Hill contacted nearby Liberal Democrat councillors about problems they are having with local buses. Following recent changes, residents on the Norwood Estate in Lobley Hill have been left without a reliable bus service after 8:00 p.m.

This estate has the 96 service which runs from Newcastle to the Metro Centre via Lobley Hill. Unfortunately this service ends at 8:10 p.m. and the 96a (Metro Centre to Lobley Hill circular) takes over.

However, this is often unreliable and creates difficulties for shoppers or workers returning home from the Metro Centre. After 8:10 p.m. there is also no service to Newcastle or Gateshead except for one late bus at 11:13 p.m.

Councillor Peter Craig, Chairman of the Lib Dem Focus Group on Transport in the area said, "Following major changes to bus services in August 2004, we have been successful in several recent campaigns to improve bus services in the area."

"Recently we successfully campaigned for the 97 service to be extended to Newcastle. This is now benefiting residents of Lobley Hill and Bensham as well as people in Whickham and Swalwell."

"At the same time, the 639 was re-routed to allow people in the Milton Road area access to services in Whickham. Earlier in the year, we led successful campaigns for the X7 to be re-routed along Dunston Bank and for a bus service (41 and 42) to be returned to Market Lane Swalwell."

A copy of the petition is being delivered to every house in Lobley Hill. Further copies of the petition are available from Councillor Allison Chatto on 4602134 or Susan Craig on 4880787.

Photo: Councillor Allison Chatto and Susan Craig at the bus stop on Malvern Gardens, Lobley Hill - they have launched a petition for better bus services.